Berry Buckle

This Mixed Berry Buckle, a rustic cake loaded with juicy, seasonal blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, is the perfect summer dessert.

If you’re unfamiliar with a buckle, it’s an old-fashioned dessert that gets the name “buckle” from how the batter buckles or crumbles around the fruit as it bakes. It’s a cross between a cake and a fruit cobbler, and it’s delicious. As it bakes, the berries release their juices, creating pockets of moist, fruity goodness that add a natural sweetness and tartness that complement the cake. I played around with this berry buckle recipe several times to keep it light while still moist and delicious, and I’m so happy with the results!

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (3.5 oz)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups fresh mixed berries, an equal mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries